The broken window and the lesson that changed everything

My father lives with me and my wife now. He is getting older, and we welcomed him into our home last year. His presence has reminded me of many things he taught me when I was young.

When I was 11, I broke a window playing baseball at a friend's house. It was a big window. I threw the ball, the glass shattered, and all of us kids scattered.

I hid in my room, terrified, until I heard a knock at the front door. As expected, it was my friend's parents coming to do what parents often do: clean up after their kids.

After they left, my father came into my room and sat on the edge of my bed.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked gently.

I don't remember what I said. I probably just shrugged, paralyzed by shame.

He asked me to think of the worst things a person could do. Stealing something? Hurting someone badly?

I nodded, imagining the worst.

"Those would be horrible things," he said.

But what my father said next changed my life.

He hugged me tight and said, "Even then, Terry, I would still love you. And we would face the consequences of that together.”

I want to offer you what my father offered me:

No matter what happens with your drinking, or how big the mess feels right now, I want you to know that you are a person of inherent value and you deserve love.

We can face the consequences together. You don't have to hide in the room alone.

I am so grateful that you support me and my efforts with Walking Sober. 

I hope to see you on the trail soon.

Walk on,

Terry

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